Native Plant and Treasure Sale at the Ojai Museum

As we are getting ready to celebrate Earth Day in April, the Ojai Valley Museum is organizing its third Native Plant Sale. The event will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on the grounds of the museum.

Once again, Lawrence Nicklin of Plantasia Landscaping and Scott Smith of Euterpe Farms, two local growers and propagators of native plants in the Ojai Valley, will have a wide selection of plants for sale. They will be available to answer questions, give advice and chat about their passion for native plants. Community sponsors for this exhibit are Ruric and Gwen Nye, Nye and Nelson, Inc. and John and Jeanne Runnel,

Spring is the perfect time to plant as the ground is still moist from the winter rains. With another rain deficient winter and talk of water restrictions in the Valley, planting native plants makes sense. Although they will need some watering during the summer months to grow and nurture the new root system, they will not require the amount of water that non-native plants do. There will be new plants at the April sale, such as the Hummingbird Sage, which grows under oak trees, has lovely fragrant red flowers, and can even be used in cooking. "For the first time," Smith says, " I will have some Dudleya, the only Ojai native succulent. They can be used in the sun instead of cactuses." Plants will be priced from $4 to $30.

The California Native Plant Society will have a large booth with informational brochures and handouts, as well as several docents to answer questions. At 11:00, Stevie Adams, Project Manager of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, will speak about "The Rhythm of the River," presenting an exploration of the natural functions and processes of the Ventura River System, which captures and filters water, dissipates flood flows and brings sand to our beaches. She will explain the importance of the flood plains and point out the hidden costs of altering the river. "While our government continues to cut vital programs, our river tirelessly toils to bring us numerous public services for free," says Adams, who has an MS in Biology from CSUN. She has been developing and managing restoration projects in the Ventura River watershed for five years and is currently restoring native habitat in areas that have been invaded by non-native plants.

But that is not all! Along with the Native Plant Sale, there will be an opportunity to find some real bargains at the Treasure Sale occurring at the same time. This is not a yard sale, but an event that will provide quality items for purchase.

2009 Museum members will receive a 10% discount on their purchases of plants and treasures. All profits will benefit the operations of the museum. Admission to the museum will be free on April 18. While you are at the museum, visit the new exhibition, "California Fourth Grade Missions." The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue. For more information, call 640-1390, or e-mail ojaimuseum@sbcglobal.net or visit http://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/ As we are getting ready to celebrate Earth Day in April, the Ojai Valley Museum is organizing its third Native Plant Sale. The event will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on the grounds of the museum.

Once again, Lawrence Nicklin of Plantasia Landscaping and Scott Smith of Euterpe Farms, two local growers and propagators of native plants in the Ojai Valley, will have a wide selection of plants for sale. They will be available to answer questions, give advice and chat about their passion for native plants. Community sponsors for this exhibit are Ruric and Gwen Nye, Nye and Nelson, Inc. and John and Jeanne Runnel,

Spring is the perfect time to plant as the ground is still moist from the winter rains. With another rain deficient winter and talk of water restrictions in the Valley, planting native plants makes sense. Although they will need some watering during the summer months to grow and nurture the new root system, they will not require the amount of water that non-native plants do. There will be new plants at the April sale, such as the Hummingbird Sage, which grows under oak trees, has lovely fragrant red flowers, and can even be used in cooking. "For the first time," Smith says, " I will have some Dudleya, the only Ojai native succulent. They can be used in the sun instead of cactuses." Plants will be priced from $4 to $30.

The California Native Plant Society will have a large booth with informational brochures and handouts, as well as several docents to answer questions. At 11:00, Stevie Adams, Project Manager of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, will speak about "The Rhythm of the River," presenting an exploration of the natural functions and processes of the Ventura River System, which captures and filters water, dissipates flood flows and brings sand to our beaches. She will explain the importance of the flood plains and point out the hidden costs of altering the river. "While our government continues to cut vital programs, our river tirelessly toils to bring us numerous public services for free," says Adams, who has an MS in Biology from CSUN. She has been developing and managing restoration projects in the Ventura River watershed for five years and is currently restoring native habitat in areas that have been invaded by non-native plants.

But that is not all! Along with the Native Plant Sale, there will be an opportunity to find some real bargains at the Treasure Sale occurring at the same time. This is not a yard sale, but an event that will provide quality items for purchase.

2009 Museum members will receive a 10% discount on their purchases of plants and treasures. All profits will benefit the operations of the museum. Admission to the museum will be free on April 18. While you are at the museum, visit the new exhibition, "California Fourth Grade Missions." The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue. For more information, call 640-1390, or e-mail ojaimuseum@sbcglobal.net or visit http://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/